Samuelson/Gilles got one, and they (she) had the same gap. Competed 09/10, missed 10/11, new pair, got CoC. Chock/Bates got two last season. But then again, I suspect the ISU makes up the rules as they go along.

I imagine Gilles/Poirier will be assigned a SR. B to qualify for GP's, be given SC as a host pick, but don't know where a 2nd GP comes in?

Chock/Bates were given two GP's this year because of the split team rules. EACH was allowed a GP assignment due to their team splits (Chock/Zuerlein, Samuelson/Bates). Samuelson/Gilles qualified under the split team rules for one GP (Samuelson/Bates).

For those like me who fumble around with these things, click on the little window in the upper right corner. It's a playlist, in odd order.

1. An advertisment
2. Day's summary
3. Tessa & Scott only
4. The last flight, which starts with Tessa & Scott
5. The 2nd to last flight, which contains Orford and Williams
6. The first flight, which contains Gilles and Poirier

The full screen option had enough data to move smoothly and not look pixellated.

If you let your cursor dwell over the bottom of the screen, the controls come up and you can pull the status bar forward and backward to see something over again, or skip a team you don't want. You can also click on the status bar to move it ahead or back. That seems to work better than sliding.

If W&P had gotten Level 3 for the rhumba sequence they got Level 2 on they would be leading. That's sobering.

IP, I agree that it is clear that Piper is weaker than Paul in the circular not touching step--which is why there is a not touching sequence in the SD, and previously the OD---just so that the judges can evaluate how equal a team is.

IP, I agree that it is clear that Piper is weaker than Paul in the circular not touching step--which is why there is a not touching sequence in the SD, and previously the OD---just so that the judges can evaluate how equal a team is.

It is very clear she is much weaker. So why are the judges giving them such high marks?

It will be interesting to see US Nationals next week to see if the same charade is being played with C/B, S/G, H/D.

It is very clear she is much weaker. So why are the judges giving them such high marks? It will be interesting to see US Nationals lnext week to see if the same charade is being played with C/B, S/G, H/D.

Just so we're clear - this is three points less than what C/P scored at Nationals for their SD last season, and the GW scores one point per sequence higher - so it's actually only one point lower.

Just so we're clear - this is three points less than what C/P scored at Nationals for their SD last season, and the GW scores one point per sequence higher - so it's actually only one point lower.

Exactly. So they received essentially the same mark that C/P did last year and yet , especially in the SD, he looks like he is dragging her around. The FD is a cleverly choregraphed collection of reused tricks to fun music, the disparity is not as apparent.

It is very clear she is much weaker. So why are the judges giving them such high marks? It will be interesting to see US Nationals lnext week to see if the same charade is being played with C/B, S/G, H/D.

I have to agree with wasabi on this, that Gilles/Poirier were overscored in the SD. Am I surprised? No. Let's see what happens with the FD. In terms of US nationals, I have a feeling we will see a Canton sweep. The only thing that seems to disappoint me this season with the SDs in general is that teams that are not displaying a latin theme/moves are not being punished for it.

I have to agree with wasabi on this, that Gilles/Poirier were overscored in the SD. Am I surprised? No. Let's see what happens with the FD. In terms of US nationals, I have a feeling we will see a Canton sweep. The only thing that seems to disappoint me this season with the SDs in general is that teams that are not displaying a latin theme/moves are not being punished for it.

C/B, S/G and H/D are all new teams with one member having had a high degree of success with previous partner. But will they all be overmarked at Nats as well? IMHO, all of these teams are much more evenly matched than G/P.

Ugh Tessa and Scott's new SD is much worse. Not only did they not have the same energy that they usually do, but the composition is terrible. Temptation has a rhumba sequence and tons of filler and feels really empty. Mujer Latina is jam packed with the circular footwork and a lift. No dance at the end - just getting the lift in barely in time to put her down.

There are some very good things about Chock/Bates' programs this year. Samuelson / Gilles's SD is particularly annoying, IMO.

But as to what is Latin, maybe we should have a thread on this subject in the Edge.

If any of you dance fans are interested, I'll kick it off. It appears to be something that many people have strong opinions about--me too.

Hi Doris,

With regards to Chock/Bates' programs - I do agree that they are positive things about them. Personally I think they lucked out this year from the Canton group. Another poster on another forum, actually thought that these programs were initially constructed for Andreev/Khoklova and then were "deflected" towards Chock/Bates which I can totally buy.

Tessa is noticeably losing weight. But ironically she looks slowerer and heavier. I assume it's something wrong with the diet plan. She needs energy. Her dress is fine but Scott's costume seems like taking from another unit.

Tessa is noticeably losing weight. But ironically she looks slowerer and heavier. I assume it's something wrong with the diet plan. She needs energy. Her dress is fine but Scott's costume seems like taking from another unit.